How Did a Wrong-Way Driver Seriously Injure 4 People on the A70 Near Bamberg?

Quick answer: A 46-year-old wrong-way driver caused a serious crash on the A70 near Bamberg in Bavaria, Germany, on Friday evening, 16 October 2026. Four people were seriously injured, and three of them were expected to spend the night in intensive care. The motorway was closed in both directions for just over three hours.

Key facts

• What: Wrong-way driver crash involving three cars
• Where: A70 between Viereth-Trunstadt and Bamberg-Hafen, near Bamberg, Bavaria, Germany
• When: Friday evening, 16 October 2026, at about 6:30 pm
• Toll: 4 seriously injured, none killed
• Status: Police investigating; motorway reopened after a closure of just over three hours

What happened

The 46-year-old driver entered the A70 at the Viereth-Trunstadt junction in the wrong direction, according to police. He drove onto the carriageway towards Schweinfurt but in the opposite direction, towards Bayreuth.

Several emergency calls reporting the wrong-way driver reached police, but the crash happened shortly afterwards. The wrong-way driver's car collided with two other cars.

According to Bamberg traffic police, the wrong-way driver apparently first hit an oncoming car, which was thrown by the force of the impact into another vehicle. Debris was scattered across both carriageways.

The wrong-way driver was alone in his car. In the other two vehicles were three people in total: a driving-school car carrying a 19-year-old learner driver and his 63-year-old instructor, and a third car driven by an 82-year-old man.

All four were treated by emergency services and taken to surrounding hospitals with serious injuries. Three of the four — everyone except the 46-year-old wrong-way driver — were expected to spend the night in intensive care.

What happens next

Police are investigating the crash, including why the 46-year-old entered the motorway in the wrong direction at about 6:30 pm. That remains unclear. The A70 has been reopened.

Source: BR24 — https://www.br.de/nachrichten/bayern/geisterfahrer-unfall-auf-a70-autobahnsperrung-vier-verletze,VYEo9IE

Frequently asked questions

Where did the A70 wrong-way crash happen?

On the A70 between Viereth-Trunstadt and Bamberg-Hafen, near Bamberg in Bavaria, Germany.

How many people were injured?

Four people were seriously injured: the 46-year-old wrong-way driver, a 19-year-old learner driver, a 63-year-old driving instructor and an 82-year-old man.

How badly were they hurt?

All four were taken to hospital with serious injuries. Three of them — everyone except the wrong-way driver — were expected to spend the night in intensive care.

How long was the A70 closed?

The motorway was completely closed in both directions in the area for just over three hours. It has since been reopened.

Why did the driver go the wrong way?

That is still unclear. Police are investigating why the 46-year-old entered the A70 in the wrong direction.